With respect to Stream A, I would like to focus on the importance of learning in and through the arts. A growing body of research suggests that arts education not only promotes creativity and critical thinking, but also help students learn other core subjects as well. Integrating music, dance, drama and fine arts into the core curriculum is especially helpful in teaching students with limited language skills or learning disabilities. In addition to improving creativity and academic achievement, the arts have other benefits as well. They can help increase student motivation, promote greater self-confidence, improve interpersonal skills, and foster a greater respect for individual and cultural diversity. While Howard Gardner has promoted the concept of “multiple intelligences,” most educators focus primarily on two: linguistic and logical-mathematical. The arts help students tap into their spatial, kinesthetic , musical, and interpersonal intelligences to achieve greater success in school and in life beyond school. The arts also give teachers and parents a different lens by which to assess students’ abilities. Even those who don’t learn in traditional ways have a chance to participate and shine in arts-related activities. Unfortunately, when resources are scarce, it’s often the music and arts programs that are cut, because many educators and parents alike view them as “add-ons or “frills.” My 10-minute presentation will provide the latest scientific evidence regarding the importance of arts education in promoting student learning and achievement. It will also briefly describe the SmART Schools program--a comprehensive, whole-school change program designed to promote understanding in and through the arts. SmART Schools has achieved great success in turning around low-performing schools, transforming school faculty, enhancing student motivation and academic achievement, and generating support from parents and community members.
Nancy Ames' contribution
With respect to Stream A, I would like to focus on the importance of learning in and through the arts. A growing body of research suggests that arts education not only promotes creativity and critical thinking, but also help students learn other core subjects as well. Integrating music, dance, drama and fine arts into the core curriculum is especially helpful in teaching students with limited language skills or learning disabilities. In addition to improving creativity and academic achievement, the arts have other benefits as well. They can help increase student motivation, promote greater self-confidence, improve interpersonal skills, and foster a greater respect for individual and cultural diversity.
While Howard Gardner has promoted the concept of “multiple intelligences,” most educators focus primarily on two: linguistic and logical-mathematical. The arts help students tap into their spatial, kinesthetic , musical, and interpersonal intelligences to achieve greater success in school and in life beyond school. The arts also give teachers and parents a different lens by which to assess students’ abilities. Even those who don’t learn in traditional ways have a chance to participate and shine in arts-related activities.
Unfortunately, when resources are scarce, it’s often the music and arts programs that are cut, because many educators and parents alike view them as “add-ons or “frills.” My 10-minute presentation will provide the latest scientific evidence regarding the importance of arts education in promoting student learning and achievement. It will also briefly describe the SmART Schools program--a comprehensive, whole-school change program designed to promote understanding in and through the arts. SmART Schools has achieved great success in turning around low-performing schools, transforming school faculty, enhancing student motivation and academic achievement, and generating support from parents and community members.